Video: Zune Guy begins name change quest, drives Ford Focus just like Bill

By now you're probably aware of the Zune Guy's mission to change his name to Microsoft Zune, right? He's now documenting the entire process to the delight of amateur psychologists and identity thieves everywhere (seriously dude, at least edit out your phone number). You'll find step 1 of his vision quest -- a call into Microsoft to discuss the legality of the move -- recorded after the break.

Look, we know that our continued attention just rewards the monkey for his dance. But like any good car crash, our morbid curiosity won't let us look away. Especially when we learn that the Zune Guy drives a Ford Focus, just like Bill Gates. We're guessing that's not a coincidence. Click through for the action.

[Thanks, TomTom]

[The Cadet @ Apr 14th 2008 5:50AM]

No offense to anyone else, but, I think that guy is Messed up.
Love to hear your opinions though.

[Andrew @ Apr 14th 2008 7:26AM]

I just wonder why Microsoft would let him change his name and ruin what little value the brand "Zune" has.

Seriously, is this the guy you want to associate with Zune? I don't want to see him dancing around in an iPod like "shadow" commercial!

[EdgeOne @ Apr 14th 2008 7:30AM]

This guy is a perfect candidate for the TV show The Biggest Loser (if they would allow the gratuitous advertising for MS & Zune)

He can do what he wants with his body and his name as long as it doesn't harm someone else, but he needs to spend a fraction of this re-naming / tattooing energy on getting in better shape or he'll have a short life not matter what his name is.

[EdgeOne @ Apr 14th 2008 7:34AM]

Wait, did I just say someone can do what they want, followed by what he needs to do with his life (lose weight)? Wow, even I fell into what I hate about people telling other people how to live their life. Screw it, have another burger and beer and go for the name change too.

[Scott Miller @ Apr 14th 2008 7:45AM]

This a good thing. The next time engadget posts a story of a Mac user getting an apple logo tattoo. We can all reflect back to this sad, sad, sad story and realize just how sane mac users really are.


On a side note, I need a new car. Does anyone know what kind Steve Jobs owns? ;)
/sarcasm

[Flashpoint @ Apr 14th 2008 8:03AM]

I can't understand why Bill Gates would ever be caught dead in a focus.
He makes 90 times what I do and I have an S550 Benz.

Bill Gates should be in nothing short of a Veyron or a Maybach.
Or a Phantom.

[The Cadet @ Apr 14th 2008 8:06AM]

@FlashPoint

Only 90 times????

My bad i think it was sarcasm unless you make a LOT of money

[Dr. Evil @ Apr 14th 2008 8:31AM]

I prefer "Trout Fishing in America"

http://www.coastalview.com/center.asp?article=12251

[Quix @ Apr 14th 2008 9:13AM]

"He makes 90 times what I do and I have an S550 Benz." - Flashpoint

And we're all *extremely* impressed.

[Backlin @ Apr 14th 2008 9:36AM]

Flashpoint: We're all impressed that you gave into your material side. ;)

[hypereric @ Apr 14th 2008 12:33PM]

My opinion? This guy reminds me somehow of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is a connection there somewhere... anyone else?

[Abuzar @ Apr 14th 2008 12:56PM]

I don't see how the tech support guy didn't start cracking up.

[Brent @ Apr 14th 2008 2:42PM]

I'm hoping MS pulls the Zune so I never have to see that picture again. He may be the ugliest man ever. And I'm sick of looking at his gross, overweight hairy shoulder. Engadget, please, in the name of all that is holy and electronic, discontinue your coverage of this idiot.

[Sukhminder @ Apr 14th 2008 4:39PM]

Granted, getting your name changed to Zune is a bit strange. Reminds me of how about parents that name their kids "Mercedes" (or Mercades, because that's not the same thing at all) or other marquee brands. I guess it's equally messed up.

[Abuzar @ Apr 14th 2008 7:10PM]

Dude Mercedes is a female name of Spanish descent. In fact the car itself was named after a chick.

[jason @ Apr 14th 2008 7:25PM]

K.... Everyone prank call him... NOW!!! here's his phone number so you don't have to listen: 712-277-1315

go to www.ebaumsworld.com for some hilarious sound boards..


or if you have vista, add this gadget to your sidebar

http://gallery.live.com/liveItemDetail.aspx?li=f4297f23-8049-480b-bdb5-2e005e7863e1&bt=1&pl=1

send him a message every hour or so... I'm sure he will love it



just let him know you care :P

[Reid @ Apr 18th 2008 12:51PM]

Doubt he really drives a Focus. It was well known in the late 90s that his daily driver was a Lexus SC400 that had a habit of ... *ahem* ... needing body work.

So it's not like he's like Warren Buffet driving around in a 15 year old pickup or anything.

Doesn't seem like Bill's really much of a car guy; sure he had the 959 and such, but it's not really his thing. But I don't think he's an econobox driver either. Lexus seems like about the right brand for the guy :)

[Esat Dedezade @ Apr 14th 2008 5:54AM]

*sigh*

[Chebwa @ Apr 14th 2008 1:55PM]

I know. I am jealous too.

[Deputy Doffoos @ Apr 14th 2008 1:56PM]

Let's all call him!

[Jordan @ Apr 14th 2008 4:14PM]

LOL, I'm really tempted to call, but the better half of me is resisting

[WITCC Student @ Apr 14th 2008 7:59PM]

His name is Steven Smith and he used to attend Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City, Iowa before dropping out. During his tenure he used a manipulated his girlfriend and racked up a huge amount of debt.

Not only is he a fucking idiot, he's also an asshole. And anything that happens to him in his lifetime will be too good for him. I'm glad he posted his god damn number up here. Go on, everyone call him and tell him what a worthless piece of shit he really is.

[Mike10010100 @ Apr 14th 2008 5:56AM]

Oh, God. No! NOOOOO!

The stupidity! O, the stupidity!

I'm guessing his mother never hugged him as a child.

[happy_penguin @ Apr 14th 2008 5:57AM]

I elect you to go give him a hug. :p

[Blaktornado @ Apr 14th 2008 6:26AM]

No, no. I think that maybe his mother hugged him a bit TOO much.

[Hero @ Apr 14th 2008 11:38AM]

His mother tried to hug him but couldn't get her arms around him.

[Blaktornado @ Apr 14th 2008 12:34PM]

Or his mother tried to hug him and he ate her.

[ArcticFox @ Apr 14th 2008 5:56AM]

Post about it all you must, but please stop posting that same picture it makes me feel sick.

[technophobe @ Apr 14th 2008 6:02AM]

I don't think it's much of a big deal, loads of people get stupid name changes and there are plently of people more crazy than Mike Zune.

[sinjinn @ Apr 14th 2008 6:02AM]

i understand if it was a console ... you can have great experiences on a console which are unique to that console.. but this is an mp3 player... it plays mp3s like any other mp3 player.

its seems to me the zune isnt that likable or unique , so this is purely for attention.

[Fusion @ Apr 14th 2008 6:03AM]

Bill Gates would NEVER step foot in a ford focus, let alone drive it, HES WORTH BILLions

[The Cadet @ Apr 14th 2008 6:30AM]

Ha Ha, Your Funny BILLions, Ha Ha

[Anthony @ Apr 14th 2008 6:15AM]

They were quick to jump on that free advertising! Also, I don't care what any of you haters think, this guy is the man, except he should not have posted his phone number..lol

[sinjinn @ Apr 14th 2008 2:31PM]

"this guy is the man"

you set the bar very low.

[Ryan @ Apr 14th 2008 6:15AM]

Wow and I was told mac fans are "crazy" O_O

[John R @ Apr 14th 2008 6:23AM]

can you imagine what the comments would be like if engadget was posting about a guy with 3 iphone tats?

[Andrew @ Apr 14th 2008 7:48AM]

If the guy looked like that I am sure Steve would "terminate" the guy.

[AdamY @ Apr 14th 2008 9:30AM]

@ John:

Actually, quite a few "Mac heads" have Apple logo tattoos. It's not very uncommon. Believe it or not, we just got over it a long time ago.

I will, however, grant there's a huge difference between Apple (or MS) and the iPhone (or Zune), because where one is a time-tested corporate brand, the other is still trying to determine if it has staying power, or is just another flash in the pan.

Nonetheless, not all "Mac heads" are fanboys. Someday you're either going to have to let go of your displeasure with fanboys or quit reading tech blogs, they are breeding grounds for those types.

[Rayan @ Apr 14th 2008 6:20AM]

Get a life

There are so much things (or better products) in life.

[dervheid @ Apr 14th 2008 6:23AM]

What a truly sad, sad individual. I wouldn't have thought that he could change his name to something that must surely have more copyright and trademark protection than "Ron*ld M*D**ald". Do the guy a favour and leave this 'story' where it belongs, in the tabloids.

[sinjinn @ Apr 14th 2008 2:45PM]

i think it should be reported just to shame him , and i think that is the spirit in which this article is written . its bad news.

in other news a complete loser, attention seeking sellout is doing something really dumb.. and now for the weather.

[PJK @ Apr 14th 2008 6:26AM]

Man needs to find some value in his life apart from being a sideshow for the minute fringe that have heard of him.

[Esat Dedezade @ Apr 14th 2008 6:27AM]

Princess Konsuela Bannana Hamock

[PSU_Boss @ Apr 14th 2008 9:11AM]

Crap Bag

[Chebwa @ Apr 14th 2008 2:23PM]

If you need an easy way to remember it... just think of a bag of crap.

[nih @ Apr 14th 2008 6:30AM]

How the fuck does that fit into a Ford Focus?

[Ryan Trevisol @ Apr 14th 2008 7:10AM]

Well since the car's probably his mom's, he sits in the back.

[Alex @ Apr 14th 2008 6:37AM]

Someone needs help...

[Andrew Campbell @ Apr 14th 2008 6:58PM]

Well, you slowly move in, and tilt your head to the right. Perhaps you should try again? Now where'd your mother go...

[phobic99 @ Apr 14th 2008 6:54AM]

Be sure to let us know when this guy decides to actually do something amazing and newsworthy... like start training for the Ironman Triathlon.